Welcome!

Hello and thank you so much for booking your maternity photography session with me, I am really looking forward to meeting you and capturing some special memories of you and your growing family. I have included some information below to help you prepare for your session and hopefully answer any questions you might have.

What can I expect from our maternity session?

Most of my maternity sessions take place outdoors. We will have agreed a time and place to meet and I will email you with details of how to get to our agreed meeting place, and exactly where to find me once you are there, in the week before our session is due to happen.

I may direct you to stand or sit in certain places, according to where the light is best, but if you have booked me, then you are obviously not after stiff or overly posed photos. I take a more documentary/lifestyle approach (as you can see from my portfolio). I really want to capture those natural connections between you that make your family unique to who you are. I'll take photos of you on your own and some of you with your partner and of course lots of family photos if you have other children.

It is really important that you are on time for your session so we can make the most out of the light. You are carrying a precious bundle and I want to make sure you are as relaxed as possible!

What happens if it rains?

We all know just how unpredictable the great British weather can be. If rain looks inevitable then we will rearrange the session at a time to suit you. If it is merely overcast then we will go ahead with the session. At certain times of day, overcast skies are actually preferable for photographers, those clouds keep the harsh sunlight off people's faces and if there are lovely flowers or bright colours about, they really pop in that even light. If it rains unexpectedly during your session, I'll provide you with any photos I managed to capture and we'll take cover and see if we can resume our session as soon as possible.

What should I wear?

I want you to feel comfortable in what you are wearing because that will ultimately show through in the final photos. Have a look in your wardrobe and think about your own personal style.

I suggest focusing on complimentary tones and keeping things simple so that your personality can really shine through in your photographs.

My suggestion is that mum picks her outfit first and she then co-ordinates the rest of the family around what she is wearing.

Choose something you feel comfortable and great in!

Textures such as linen, cotton, denim, corduroy, silk and lace always photograph wonderfully. Once you have picked your outfit, have a look at the rest of the family and co-ordinate with complimentary colours and textures. Neutrals, pastels and loud jewel brights can all work beautifully depending on your own personal style. You can search for colour pallet ideas on Pinterest if you want.

Try to coordinate, but do avoid the matchy-matchy look (everyone is black t-shirts and denim will seriously date your photos). Also try to avoid large brand names on clothing as they can be distracting. These images will be in your family for generations to come - so it's definitely worth putting some thought into what you might like to wear.

Do I need to tidy up for an in-home session?

You do not need to de-clutter your entire home before a session, (after all your house reflects your unique personality which is what makes in-home sessions so great) but you just need to be aware that whatever is in the room will end up in the frames I shoot.

I'm worried my children will not want to smile for the camera or misbehave

Please rest assured that I don't want your children to be anything other than themselves. I don't need them to sit still or 'be good', I have a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old who point blank refuse to pose for me, I've become an expert in taking photos on the run and I have a lot of tricks to make sure that I get those lovely, connected family photos that you are after. Please do not bribe your children to behave for me, I find this never works (especially if sweets are involved). Of course, you know your children best, and if you want to give them something as a treat at the end of the session, that is entirely up to you.

I find it helps (especially with toddlers and older babies) if they have had a nap prior to our session and are well rested. It's always a good idea to have snacks and a drink on hand if we need to take a break for little ones to refuel.

When will I get my photos?

I promise to get your full gallery to you within 7 days of your session. I normally do an initial edit and I like to post some of my favourites on my social media accounts as this helps me promote my business. If you do not want me to share your photos, please do let me know. Your gallery will be live for three months so that you can download, save and print your photos.

One last thing before you go...

If you haven't already done so, please would you email me with your mobile phone number, the names of your family members and (if you have the time) a little bit about your family. Knowing these things in advance helps me to get the most out of your session and capture unique images that reflect who you truly are, right now.

If you have any further questions or want clarification on anything mentioned above, please do not hesitate to message, call or email me. I can't wait to meet you and photograph your family!